What to do in Paris

Activities, attractions and tours

Paris
Paris showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a fountain
8th Arrondissement showing heritage architecture and street scenes
Paris
Paris

Places to Visit in Paris

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Paris, Île-de-France while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Paris attractions from NZ$7, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Paris tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 468 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Paris. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Disneyland® Paris

A visit to Disneyland® Paris is perfect for families. This well-known theme park inspires the imagination, fulfilling dreams for kids of all ages. It’s also a very enjoyable spot for honeymooners, retirees, groups of friends; in fact, anyone. Join the fun at the more than 50 attractions, parades and shows of this much-loved spot, very conveniently located not far from Paris.
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CE547T Inside Disneyland park near Paris, France.. Image shot 2012. Exact date unknown.

2. Eiffel Tower

It may seem hard to believe now, but the 10,000 tonnes of the Eiffel Tower's ironwork, Paris' most recognisable landmark, were earmarked for a dismantling in 1909. Built in 1889 to mark the World Fair, which was held in Paris on the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, the Tower only had a 20-year licence. Now it is hard to imagine Paris without it. Not that many were keen to imagine Paris with it, back at the time of its construction. Three hundred prominent Parisian artists and writers signed a petition against it, saying it was “a giddy, ridiculous tower dominating Paris like a gigantic black smokestack.”
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Eiffel Tower showing modern architecture and a garden

3. Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the few museums in the world that can say it started with 'people power'. Literally. One of the first decrees of the new National Assembly, after the French Revolution, was that this former palace of the King be turned into a national museum, for all of France to enjoy. Much of its initial exhibition, in 1793, came from church and royal property 'liberated for the people' during the revolution. That tradition of being the natural home for France's national treasures continues to this day.
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Paris City Centre which includes a fountain, street scenes and heritage architecture

4. Arc de Triomphe

Triumph is what Napoleon asked for, and triumph is what he got. The Arc de Triomphe is a monumental slab of architecture, commissioned by the Emperor in 1806 to glorify his victories. But it has since taken on a life of its own. While this grand arch was to be a marker of Napoleon's battlefield successes, in the 200 years since its foundations were laid, it has been a monument to peace, defeat and personal loss, as well as victory. Leaders, enemies and armies of four French Republics have paraded underneath (or around) its 49-metre high arch.
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Arc de Triomphe viewed up the Champs Elysees and a large french flag flying under the arch

5. Notre-Dame

Notre Dame didn't just spring from the Seine fully-formed. But as a supremely-balanced icon of Gothic architectural perfection – and spiritual anchor to all of Paris' many-faced glories – it's hard to imagine something this sublime being the work of mere mortals. The blocks, buttresses, gargoyles and windows of Notre-Dame de Paris are, however, most certainly mortal handiwork. One-hundred and eighty-two years of masonry, sculpting and leading, to be precise. The result is an artistic and religious treasure that has bought visitors to this island on the Seine for seven centuries.
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Notre Dame Cathedral featuring religious aspects, a city and a church or cathedral

6. Champs-Élysées

You can't get more prime-retail than the Champs-Élysées. Once a lush gathering of meadows and market gardens north-west of Paris, it is now a glittering avenue into its heart, that's paved with retail gold. But although it is thick with designer stores, elite purveyors of French luxury and flashy brand-name outlets, it manages to maintain a formal, grand elegance. This is Paris, after all. Elegance was penned into its genes from the moment it was marked out as the Grand Cours in the 17th-century.
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Paris. Champs Elysees

7. Palais Garnier

Treat yourself to an evening of classical entertainment at the Paris Opera (Opéra National de Paris). Admire the handsome architecture and luxurious interiors of Palais Garnier, the home of this historic French opera company. Learn about the 300-year-old past of the Paris Opera via art collections, multimedia displays and museum exhibits.
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Palais Garnier which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements

Recommended things to do in Paris

Number of things to do
468
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Rude Bastards Tour of Paris: NZ$7
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Paris

Discover the most popular places to visit in Paris

Disneyland® Paris

Disneyland® Paris

4/5(71 reviews)

Dreams come true with a trip to this beloved theme park. Find all the magic, excitement, thrills and joy you could ever wish for.

Disneyland® Paris
Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower

4.5/5(332 reviews)

From the ground looking up, or from its lofty heights looking down, the Eiffel Tower is the best view in town.

Eiffel Tower
Louvre Museum

Louvre Museum

4.5/5(249 reviews)

The Louvre is where the Mona Lisa shines her enigmatic half-smile for visitors – and where 34,999 other fabulous attractions await your attention.

Louvre Museum
Arc de Triomphe showing night scenes, a city and street scenes

Arc de Triomphe

4.5/5(319 reviews)

This towering arch is where France comes to celebrate its victories, remember its dead, and enjoy spectacular views down the Champs-Élysées.

Arc de Triomphe
Notre Dame Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Notre-Dame

4/5(276 reviews)

This iconic cathedral soars over the Ile de la Cité in the Seine, its features blending into a building that is half-architectural glory, half-spiritual sustenance.

Notre-Dame
Champs Elysees featuring heritage architecture, a city and signage

Champs-Élysées

4.5/5(101 reviews)

Possibly the most famous promenade in France, if not the world, this premier Parisian avenue marries exquisite shopping experiences and high-class culture.

Champs-Élysées
Paris showing heritage elements, street scenes and a city

Palais Garnier

4.5/5(106 reviews)

Attend a performance, browse museum exhibits and marvel at the opulent design of one of the world’s most celebrated opera houses.

Palais Garnier
Stade de France

Stade de France

4/5(15 reviews)

Catch an event at Stade de France during your trip to Saint-Denis. Discover the fascinating museums and churches in this vibrant area.

Stade de France
La Defense which includes modern architecture, a city and cbd

La Défense

The place where business is done, the sky is scraped, statues loom – and where Paris was once saved.

La Défense

Explore areas of Paris

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Paris City Center

4/5(1 area review)

Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame are a few top attractions in Paris City Center. Hop around the city on the metro at Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre Metro Station or Louvre - Rivoli Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and charming cafes.

Paris City Center
Marais - Pompidou - Notre Dame de Paris featuring modern architecture and a square or plaza as well as a large group of people

Marais

4.5/5(37 area reviews)

Admire historic and architectural marvels and visit one of the largest museums of modern art in Europe in the 3rd and 4th Arrondissements of Paris.

Marais
French Academy showing heritage elements, signage and heritage architecture

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

5/5(33 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Check out top attractions like Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Pres and Place Saint-Germain-des-Pres, and jump on the metro at Mabillon Station or Saint-Germain-des-Pres Station to see more of the city.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés
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Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois

Museums, historical sites and river views highlight some notable features of Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois. Make a stop by Louvre Museum or La Carrousel du Louvre while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Louvre - Rivoli Station or Pont Neuf Station to get around town.

Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois
6th Arrondissement showing a garden and a statue or sculpture

6th Arrondissement

5/5(28 area reviews)

Read about Parisian intelligentsia, discover the lively Latin Quarter and enjoy scenic gardens and bohemian café culture.

6th Arrondissement
Arc de Triomphe showing night scenes, a city and street scenes

Champs-Élysées

You might enjoy the river views while in Champs-Élysées. Champs-Élysées is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Franklin D. Roosevelt Metro Station or Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau Station to see more of the city.

Champs-Élysées

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Paris

Photo "Massy" by franek2 (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by franek2 (CC BY-SA)

Massy

Photo "Meudon" by Jean-Marc Astesana (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Jean-Marc Astesana (CC BY-SA)

Meudon

Nanterre

Nanterre

Photo by Giorgia Bachiorri

Neuilly-sur-Seine

Photo by Marie-Delphine Agababian

Antony

Photo by Emmee EB

Aubervilliers

Photo "Aulnay-sous-Bois" by Marianna (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Marianna (CC BY)

Aulnay-sous-Bois

Boulogne-Billancourt

Boulogne-Billancourt

Frequently asked questions

Is Paris worth visiting?
Known for its views and shopping, finding fun things to do in Paris is a cinch. Don't forget to add Eiffel Tower to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Paris?
Kick your day off with a visit to Eiffel Tower and Place du Trocadéro. Then, explore different parts of Paris for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Paris?
The top tourist attraction in Paris is Eiffel Tower, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Paris?
Three days will give you enough time to tick off popular city sights, such as Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame. The average stay in Paris is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your adventure, Roissy-en-France isn't far away.
Is Paris a walkable city?
It depends on what you want to do and see in Paris. Several attractions, like Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Paris's neighbourhoods, 8th Arrondissement is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while 9th Arrondissement is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Paris with kids?
If you're looking for activities and attractions for all of your group, have a look at these great ideas for what to do in Paris with kids.

What to do in Paris for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Paris, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Clos Montmartre or Champs-Élysées.
Are there free things to do in Paris?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Paris is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Place du Trocadéro is one spot that doesn't charge an admission fee.